IISc researchers develop magnetically guided nanobots for tooth sensitivity relief
The magnetic nanobots called CalBots can also form durable seals for worn enamel, offering lasting relief from sensitivity in one application.
Bioceramic cement
'The CalBots use a completely new class of bioceramic cement. While bioceramics are widely used in orthopaedics and dentistry for their mineralising properties, the team wanted a solution tailored for hypersensitivity – a formulation that could travel deeper and last longer,' IISc said.
Dental hypersensitivity affects nearly one in four people worldwide and occurs when microscopic tubules in the dentine—the layer beneath the enamel—is exposed due to erosion or gum recession.
According to IISc these tiny tubules lead directly to nerve endings, which is why even a sip of cold water can cause a sudden, stabbing pain.
Current solutions
It added that most current solutions, such as desensitising toothpastes, offer only surface-level relief and need to be reapplied regularly.
'CalBots, however, are different. These 400 nanometre-sized magnetic particles, loaded with a proprietary calcium silicate-based bioceramic formula, are guided by an external magnetic field deep into the exposed tubules. They can reach depths of up to 300 to 500 micrometers inside the tubules. Once there, the bots self-assemble into stable, cement-like plugs that block the tubules and recreate a durable seal that mimics the natural environment of the tooth,' IISc said.
The research team used human teeth extracted for clinical reasons and created conditions where the dentine was exposed.
On these samples, they applied CalBots under a magnetic field for 20 minutes, during which the bots sealed the dentinal tubules by forming deep, stable plugs – a result confirmed through high-resolution imaging.
Animal trials
The team also progressed to animal trials in collaboration with researchers at IISc's Center for Neuroscience.
'It involved giving mice a choice between cold and room temperature water. Healthy mice preferred both equally. But the mice with induced tooth sensitivity avoided the cold water completely,' IISc said.
'After we treated the sensitive mice with our CalBot solution, they started drinking cold water again – the treatment worked like a charm. We saw 100% behavioural recovery. That was a big moment for us,' said Shanmukh Peddi, first author of the study and post-doctoral researcher at the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE), IISc, and co-founder of Theranautilus.
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